Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
As the capital of Greece, Athens is a stunning city brimming with history, art, neoclassical architecture and fine cuisine. From the Acropolis (one of Athens’ most complete Greek ruins) and the Acropolis Museum to the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens blends history, mythology and modernity, all unfolding in the shadow of Mount Lycabettus.
Unsurprisingly, Athens hotels capture this unique blend, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels housed in ancient landmark buildings to five-star marvels basking in the glow of the Aegean Sea. Some Athens hotels are about opulence, offering luxury rooms in the city center, while others capture that elusive Athenian aesthetic. Whatever you fancy, these are some of my favorite stays in Athens, Greece.
Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection
Image courtesy of Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection
Another favorite hotel, the MGallery Athens, can be found in the Kolonaki district, a two-minute stroll from the Syntagma metro station, which connects travelers to the rest of Athens for easy sightseeing. Of course, you don’t have to hop on a train and navigate public transportation to find some worthwhile attractions nearby. This five-star Athens hotel is within walking distance from the historic Syntagma Square, where you’ll find the Neoclassical Old Royal Palace, the famed tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the lush National Garden.
Beyond its history, the Kolonaki neighborhood is brimming with high-end boutique stores, art galleries, cafés and trendy restaurants and bars. The rooms at MGallery are classic and simple, and provide guests with exactly what is needed for a comfortable stay, especially for those looking for a family-friendly option. Notably, MGallery boasts a rooftop pool and restaurant called Mappemonde, a great option for a sunset aperitif and views of the Athens skyline.
Fora Perks:
Hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Image courtesy of Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Originally opened in 1874, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is as much a part of Athens’ history as its ancient ruins. When Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 1896, this landmark hotel housed foreign dignitaries from around the globe. This is telling, as the Grande Bretagne is exemplary for its service, style and promise of showing off the best of Athens’ city center.
From the hotel’s impeccable cuisine to its luxurious rooms to its great location, there is much to tout about the Grand Bretagne. And don't miss Alexander’s Bar, with original 18th-century tapestry depicting Alexander the Great. The bar is stunning and historical, and mixes up cocktails that earned it the title of best hotel bar in the world.
Fora Perks:
Hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
A77 Suites by Andronis
Image courtesy of A77 Suites by Andronis
Sitting at the foot of the Acropolis is A77 Suites, a unique Athens hotel hidden behind a boutique clothing store. Like most hotels in this ancient city, A77 is housed in a historic building that dates back to the early 19th century. Once the home of a wealthy family, the ground floor used to house stables and horses.
Marble, wood and brass accents weave through this Neoclassical building, which boasts an array of dazzling art. The suites are luxurious and bespoke, with large beds and marble bathrooms, and some even have coveted outdoor spaces ready to greet you upon check-in. If you’re staying in the heart of a city, this is an Athens hotel that marries luxury with comfort and privacy.
Fora Perks:
Hotel / resort credit.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Image courtesy of King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel
If you want to experience Athens like a Greek god or goddess, look no further than King George, a luxury hotel in the city center. King George is right next door to the Grande Bretagne, and both are under the same ownership. While the Grande Bretagne offers that grande-dame opulent luxury, King George is more modern, with a sleek, boutique-y vibe.
The penthouse suite offers a palatial residence with a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, alfresco dining and a room adorned with antique rugs and furniture. As if that’s not enough to make any traveler swoon, the view from the penthouse is out of this world: from your outdoor terrace, you can see the entirety of Athens, the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Aegean Sea. Thankfully, the other suites at King George are similarly grand, with immaculate interiors, endless views and rooms worthy of royalty.
Fora Perks:
Hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Dolli
What was once a 1920s Neoclassical mansion has been transformed into a dreamy five-star hotel with views of the iconic Parthenon. Nestled on Mitropoleos Street, the newly opened Dolli has a past as storied as Athens itself. Originally built as a private mansion for the wealthy ship merchant and politician Dimitrios Kallimasiotis, the building was reborn as a luxury fabric store in the mid-1930 until it was transformed into a hotel.
The rooms at this new hotel are elegant and timeless, featuring creamy white fabrics, gold fixtures and classical paintings. Some come with private balconies, a splurge worth having so you can sip your morning coffee in full view of the ruins. Head up to the rooftop for an unforgettable culinary experience with expansive views of the Acropolis. Attention to detail is paramount at The Dolli, where everything from its menus to its lobby seems crafted with the utmost care. Stop by the lobby for a selection of international wines and small bites. The space is a white-and-gold oasis of plush furniture and original art pieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (a 30-minute to two-hour drive from the city center)
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
While I'm sure you’ve heard of the French Riviera, have you heard of the Athens Riviera? This coastal area in the southern suburbs of Athens — stretching all the way toward Attica — is where natural beauty mingles with the past. Here, you’ll find the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, a five-star stay offering an entirely different experience of this ancient city. Imagine over 30 miles of stunning beaches, charming marinas and iconic architecture, like the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion.
Rooms range from bungalows to suites boasting views of the sea and private balconies to admire those sunsets. The hotel is built directly into the rocks so that every room is afforded ocean views. Because a stay here is all about that gorgeous sea, make sure to take advantage of the hotel’s unique experiences — from private luxury charter boats to a tour of the Poseidon temple. Or, simply order room service, indulge in a glass of bubbly and sit out on your ocean-facing balcony.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I'll be pleased to give you more details.